The rules of golf are hard! Fortunately, we have the guru. Ours Rules Guy know the book front to back. Do you have a question? He has all the answers.
I missed my putt just short and tapped as I walked. My playing partner said it was a one stroke penalty. Really? -Robert Warner, Aiken, SC
So instead of a question about a stationary player hitting a moving ball, we have a moving player hitting a stationary ball – how refreshing!
The rules contain many requirements about how we must make a stroke, most of which are covered in Rule 10.1. While we can’t start hitting a ball while it’s moving (with some rare exceptions), there’s nothing stopping a player, including Happy Gilmore, from being in motion.
As long as all the other requirements are met, for example, hitting with the head of the club, no pushing, scraping, scooping or anchoring, you are good to go – tell your story by walking and even hit your putt that way, if you are so inclined.
For more movement guidance from our guru, read on…
My playing partner stubbed his chip shot from the deep rough around the collar of the green. The ball rolled slowly towards the pin. In a fit of pique, he hit his club in the neck, dislodging a large piece of turf that flew on the green and hit the rolling ball, stopping it in its pieces. He probably would have just broken another foot otherwise. But is it a penalty? – Cornelius Marx, New York, New York
It certainly feels like it should be, more for the damage to the course than the eventual deflected shot.
However, unless the Committee sees the creation of this damage as serious misconduct under Rule 1.2a (which would mean disqualification), the accidental deviation remains without penalty, and Mr. Angry Stubby plays the ball as it stands, under Rule 11.1.
On the one hand, Cornelius, Rules Guy very appreciated “in a fit of pique”, and should we ever take a much needed vacation he will come to you to write this column in our absence.
Do you need a handicap? Start here.
Have a question about the rules? Ask the Rules Guy! Send your questions, confusion and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise not to throw the book at you.
